Why should you be using sulfate-free shampoo

WHAT ARE SULFATES?

Let’s start by describing what sulfates actually are, that way you can get a better understanding of why your hair shouldn’t be exposed to them. In a general sense, sulfates are what hair care companies put in shampoo to make the product sudsy. Sulfates are what attracts things like dirt, grime, and dead skin cells into the soap from your hair to then be washed away. They also cause your shampoo to become foamy when worked into the hair and scalp and exposed to water. Sulfates can make your shampoo feel foamy and luxurious, but they’ve also got some negative side effects.

While sulfates can help clean the hair and make your shampooing experience feel more luxurious, they can also aid in causing irreversible damage. When stylists warn that shampooing your hair removes the natural oils that keep your hair healthy, it’s usually because of things like sulfates. In addition to stripping your hair of its natural oils, sulfates can also cause some minor discomfort in the form of redness, itching or dry skin.

Some reports have claimed that sulfates can lead to cancer, but a lack of scientific evidence to support those claims show that they’re false. Sulfates can, however, contribute to irritation in the scalp—particularly if you’re prone to dry skin. Choosing a sulfate-free shampoo may be a good choice if you find that shampoo with sulfates in it is making your scalp feel more irritated, itchy, or dry. It may also be a good choice if you wash your hair often, as your hair will need its natural oils to stay healthy in between washes.

WHY USE SULFATE SHAMPOO AT ALL?